Now if you know me, you know I love cooking with alcohol. I know, I know, but it gives such great flavor to foods! This was not the dish that I had intended to spend my weekend experimenting with, actually didn't even get to work on that dish. I only found a few of the ingredients but I will be working on it soon. So yesterday as I was getting ready to go to church I had the tv going and of course it was the Food Network. The Pioneer Woman came on, never seen it, but she was talking about this Penne pasta recipe that she was working on and I thought to myself, "I can easily transform this dish and cut over half the calories down." I also thought that I could spice it up because hers seemed rather bland and you may know that just won't cut it for me. So without further delay, I present to you Spaghetti Squash Alla Vodka, yum :)
Spaghetti Squash
Cooking instructions as follows
http://hcgfoodrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/08/spaghetti-squash-with-ancho-pepper.html
After cooking let it rest for about 20 mins and begin the making the sauce.
Vodka SauceIngredients:
1 large shallot or small sweet onion
2 cloves garlic
2 pads of butter, divided
Olive Oil
1/3 cup of Vodka*
Half a large can of Tomato Puree
1 Cup plus splash of Heavy Cream
1/2 tsp Sugar Sub
1 tsp Italian Herb blend
1TBSP Ancho Chili Pepper Flakes
1TBSP Fresh Chopped Basil, plus some for plating
1/3 cup Grated Percino Romano or Parm, plus some for topping
Salt/Pepper to taste
*Now if you are not one to add a little booze to your dish you can do the same thing with a low sodium 99% fat free Chicken Stock, it won't be quick the same but it will still be good. My true suggestion is to run down to the local liquor store and grab a 1/2 pint of a cheap vodka :)
Cooking:
In a large sauce pan with one melted pad of butter and olive oil set to medium heat, add your diced onion. Cook until it is transparent, then add your minced garlic. Let that cook for about 2 mins, the name of the game is low and slow, you get the best flavors that way. While this is cooking and you are moving those onions around often, slice your spaghetti squash lengthwise making sure you cut off both ends first and let it cool for a few mins. before attempting to scoop out the guts. It's okay if it gets a little cold, we are going to toss the "noodles" in the sauce later and that will warm them back up.
After you have cooked the garlic and onions down some, add the vodka. I turned down the heat to medium low for this part. You will want to let the vodka reduce down to about half it's size, this will take about 2-4 mins. but keep an eye on it and stir frequently That's when I started to scoop out the guts of my spaghetti squash. *(Now if you are using chicken stock, it will likely take longer for it to reduce and there is no need to reduce to heat.)
Once your vodka has reduced, add half the large can of tomato puree and stir well making sure everything is thoroughly incorporated. Turn up the heat back to medium and add the one cup plus a splash of heavy cream. Now I know what you all are thinking, "that's not healthy"! I never said that it was fat free, I believe that fat is okay in moderation and you can cut back in some areas to give way to others. Also because we don't have a true starch our bodies are able to dispose of the fat a lot quicker.
After adding the cream, add the spices, pepper flakes, sugar sub, 1 pad of butter, salt/pepper** and let cook for about 5 mins, again stirring often. When this is happening begin to scrape down the sides of your spaghetti squash to get your "noodles". After the 5 mins, add the "noodles" and cheese and let cook on low for about another 5 mins. Before the last minute, add the chopped basil, reserving a few pinches for plating.
Top with some more grated cheese and a pinch of basil. It's so good!!!!
**TASTE, TASTE, TASTE! I always taste my sauces while cooking, it's the only way you will know if it is seasoned right. For me that meant about 1 1/2 TSP of Salt and 1 TSP of pepper.
Now if you have to have a meat with this, which to be honest I didn't miss it, you can cook some boneless chicken breast in the oven in chicken broth and slice them up and toss them in.
Well I truly hope you enjoy this dish and don't be afraid to lick the plate, I sure did :) Til next time.
Oh and depending on the size of your spaghetti squash you can get about 4-6 portions out of this and for a cup of this dish, less then 250 calories.
Next up, Chocolate Brownies!!!!
FAQs
Oddly enough, if you eat over 500 calories/day, or foods not on the diet (i.e. a bite of a donut), you will often have severe hunger. It seems counter-intuitive, but it is important that your fat stores are full when you begin the 500 calorie/day diet, since your body uses these first for energy.
What vegetables are allowed on the HCG diet? ›
One five-ounce serving of lean protein like white fish, lean beef, egg white, or crab. Add vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, spinach, beets, radishes, celery, and cauliflower.
What is Phase 2 of the HCG diet? ›
PHASE TWO: the phase of 500 calories.
The phase two of the HCG Diet Protocol last for 38 days. This phase requires that the HCG alongside with a diet that is 500 calories. A typical meal will be aprotein of 4 oz., fruits, vegetables and a little quantity of grain.
Can you eat nuts on the HCG diet? ›
During the first phase of the HCG diet, you want to eat fat-dense food. Good examples include salmon sauteed in olive oil and drizzled with melted butter, bacon cheeseburgers, chicken liver sandwiches and nuts. Avocados are another great source of healthy fats.
How much weight can you lose in 21 days on hCG? ›
How much can you lose on hCG in 21 days? Most hCG dieters report a loss of 1 to 2 lbs a day.
What are three disadvantages of the hCG diet? ›
HCG might encourage the production of androgen cells, which could result in the growth of certain types of cancers. However, diets that so severely limit calories have risks, such as gallstone formation, irregular heartbeat, limited intake of vitamins and minerals, and an imbalance of electrolytes.
Can I eat hamburger on hCG diet? ›
Specifically, you can eat beef like extra lean, grass-fed ground beef or buffalo, different lean cuts of chicken, and lean fish options like scallops, whitefish, and some shellfish including shrimp, lobster, and crab. Dairy lovers will love that this diet doesn't require that they give up all forms of dairy.
Can you eat cheese on hCG diet? ›
During the maintenance phase you will increase your calorie intake to 1500 calories, making up 3 meals and snacks. It is important that these meals are comprised of healthy foods. You may now consume any meats, eggs, fruits, cheeses, milk, vegetables and low sugar dairy products.
Can I eat Greek yogurt while on hCG diet? ›
Afternoon Snack: Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of chia seeds and a few blueberries is a delicious and protein-packed option that satisfies sweet cravings while contributing to your daily nutrient intake.
How to lose weight fast on hCG diet? ›
The rules of the hCG diet
- Loading phase. Start taking hCG and eat plenty of high fat, high calorie foods for 2 days.
- Weight loss phase. Continue taking hCG and eat only 500 calories per day for 3 to 6 weeks.
- Maintenance phase. Stop taking hCG. Gradually increase your food intake but avoid sugar and starch for 3 weeks.
During this stage, the dieter should choose low-calorie foods that also happen to be filling. For example: One five-ounce serving of lean protein like white fish, lean beef, egg white, or crab. Add vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, spinach, beets, radishes, celery, and cauliflower.
How much weight can you lose on the hCG diet in 2 weeks? ›
Most hCG patients lose 1-2 lbs per day.
You may ensure your weight loss goals by increasing your vegetable intake. It is important to eat high-fiber foods, which will help you feel full. Drink water to aid in removing fat from the body. After about 6 weeks, the body becomes immune to the effects of hCG.
Can I eat pickles on HCG? ›
For dinner you could have roasted white fish paired with pickles made from cucumbers, garlic, vinegar, lemon juice and salt. If you have a problem finding recipes that add flavor to your meat and vegetables, try making HCG-friendly sauces and marinades.
Are blueberries allowed on HCG diet? ›
HCG-approved fruit includes grapefruits, oranges, apples, lemons, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. As for carbohydrates, people on the hCG diet can have one piece of Melba toast or one breadstick at dinner. Both are allowed because they don't have fat, sodium or cholesterol and are low in calories.
Can I have pineapple on HCG diet? ›
Fruits & Veggies (2 fruits max per day & lots of veggies)
Should take it easy with carrots and beets too. 2 (two) servings of ANY fruits but NO bananas, pineapple or grapes!!!
What happens if you cheat on HCG diet? ›
Expect the scale to go up a lb or to at least stall for 2-3 days! The heaviest consequence that comes from an HCG Diet cheat will be weight gain. Don't panic or get down about it. Just keep your mind dialed in and move forward.
What is the maximum calories on the HCG diet? ›
The hCG diet is a very low-calorie diet—usually a range of 500 to 800 calories per day—that is used in conjunction with supplemental hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) injections as a means to stimulate weight loss.
Why only 500 calories on HCG diet? ›
During the main phase of the diet, you will follow the HCG 500 calorie diet meal plan. The dramatic drop in calories ensures that you lose weight quickly. The HCG diet meal plan, which was outlined in the book Pounds & Inches by Dr. A.T.W.
Do I have to eat 500 calories with HCG? ›
The hCG diet limits calorie intake to around 500 calories per day for weeks at a time, making it an extreme weight loss diet. Any diet that's this low in calories will make you lose weight. However, numerous studies have found that the hCG hormone has no effect on weight loss and doesn't reduce your appetite.
